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Neuvirth apologizes for lockout comments

Tampa Bay Lightning v Washington Capitals - Game One

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Michal Neuvirth #30 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against the Tampa Bay Lightning during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinal during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at the Verizon Center on April 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

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Michal Neuvirth is sorry for suggesting the NHL lockout is “about several superstars with big contracts.”

The Capitals’ goalie posted his apology Tuesday on Twitter.

Neuvirth made the controversial remark last week after expressing support for his Washington teammate, Roman Hamrlik, who had criticized the leadership of NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr.

Both players were roundly condemned by union members, in particular Caps forward Troy Brouwer, who accused them of “selling us out.”

Neuvirth’s comment was especially notable as Washington captain Alex Ovechkin, one of the most vocal critics of the NHL, happens to be a superstar with a big contract.

“I know a couple guys [are] pissed off and they say bad things,” Ovechkin said recently, “but you know we stick together and we’re not gonna listen to those guys. Of course everybody wants to play but we have to stick together.”